Life is make believe, fantasy given form

The Stairway

I couldn’t resist Sue Vincent’s beautiful prompt. It was right up my alley … or down my stairway, so to speak. Stop it, Sue. I’m supposed to be working on my WIP! Check out Sue’s blog Daily Echo for some beautiful writing from a fascinating woman. Here’s my take on the prompt:

The Stairway

I lingered at the top of the stairway, teetering over the ice-laden steps, my head reeling. Before me arched a gateway of ancient stone and lofty evergreen, overhead boughs bent with old snow. Why hadn’t I noticed the stairs before; I’d walked this path many mornings over the years though never as lonesome as now.

The crisp sun glinted on the ice, dusted the air with a haze of enchantment. An illusion, surely, a trick of the light. Yet, a small wisp of me believed in magic. I trusted in dreams come true and happy endings. I didn’t live them, but I believed them. The gateway beckoned like a lover, teased, promised. I took a tentative step toward my altered future.

My foot slipped on the gleaming ice and shot forward. I yelped as my hip hit the top step and I bumped down, sleeves filling with snow splinters, my coat riding up, elbows whack, whack, whacking on each step. My bottom took the stairs like a toboggan, my mouth spilling squeaky oaths and ouches the entire ride. The magic portal disgorged me onto the crusty snow like a bad meal, and my feelings hurt as much as my bones. So much for magic.

“Are you all right?” A man’s voice, trying to sound concerned despite the muffled laughter. “Can I help?”

I looked up at his offered hand, the mirth in his eyes, his charming smile. I gave him my scratched hand and my aching heart… all those magical mornings ago.

I like waiting for you to post a few times before I finally sit down to read your blog — because after reading one post, I very much want to read another one right away.

This couldn’t be more different than the Melding of Aeris prologue, but it is every bit as wonderful. As an added bonus, the ending of this one made me utter a contented “Awww!” I love to Awww contentedly.

So very beautiful! Love born on the stairways, in the midst of magic 🙂
I am reading your Bone Wall, and absolutely loving the book!
Hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend. Best wishes for the week ahead!

Sue allowed you to stretch your mind like morning brain exercise, Diana. What a lovely and magical photo with some elements of happy and a lot of pain to bring the “new man into the picture.” Wish I could fall in both ways~ just one more time and make the dreamy part last!
Happy holiday weekend and enjoy Easter day if you celebrate it. ~**~

Thanks, Robin. Sometimes love comes in unexpected ways and when we are not at our best. Glad you enjoyed the story. We don’t celebrate Easter, but wish everyone a happy holiday who does. I hope your weekend is full of dreams come true and no slipping on ice!

Dreams will be on hold, as far as romance. . .but time well spent with 87 year old Mom makes a great weekend! Oldest daughter came up on her own, sans boys. She is back with them and my son and DIL’s family. Now, youngest daughter coming up, single and was “blue” last night. Life is good, thanks, Diana! 🙂

I recall a fall on an icy walkway at the park by the lake. It was fairly early with no one about. I struggled several times to get upright again. I had quite q dark bruise on the knee. And it had just been replaced with metal. I decided to wait for warmer weather and no ice. I enjoyed the visit today.

Well that doesn’t sound magical at all! No prince charming to help you up either. I don’t think my protagonist is going to try those steps again either. Thanks for the visit and taking the time to comment 🙂 Have a great weekend.

Not an expected way to take the stairs, but a lovely meeting at the bottom. Great description, as usual, Diana. I could almost feel the bumps. I’ve walked on snow and ice, and fallen down steps several times Well done. 🙂 — Suzanne

Wow! Diana, there is magic in this fall…the words seem to be so symbolic…the mirth and the laughter is peeping through them also!
The prompt is indeed fascinating…loved this stairway, hope the cushy feeling could be felt deep down!
Wonderful fall! Thanks for sharing.

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